DALLAS — After extensive debate, the Baptist General Convention of Texas (BGCT) executive board voted 52–28 to approve a $50.1 million budget recommendation — a move that eliminates as many as 30 staff positions for Baptists’ largest statewide body.
The board will recommend to the BGCT annual meeting Oct. 29–30 in Amarillo, Texas, a $50,126,356 total budget for 2008, which is a $473,644 reduction from the 2007 budget.
It includes $43,326,356 from the Cooperative Program budget and an anticipated $6.8 million from investment earnings and other sources.
The budget requires approval by messengers to the convention’s annual meeting. However, staff cuts will be implemented immediately, BGCT Executive Director Charles Wade said. Staff members who lose their jobs will receive a severance package, counseling and placement assistance. The 2008 recommended budget provides no salary increases for remaining staff.
During transitions related to changes in governance and organizational reorganization — and following a period when fewer churches contributed funds — the BGCT relied on earnings and interests from reserves, Wade noted. But the executive leadership team was committed to decrease reliance on off-budget income sources, he added.
Wade, who retires Jan. 31 as executive director, said it would not be fair to pass on to his successor the responsibility for cutting staff.
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